How do I register my startup with Startup India (DPIIT) and get the certificate?
Apply on the National Single Window System (nsws.gov.in), where DPIIT recognition now lives: create an investor account, verify the entity's PAN, then under Add Approvals pick 'Registration as a Startup' and submit. Only a private limited company, LLP, registered partnership or cooperative society qualifies, up to 10 years from incorporation (20 for Deep Tech) with turnover under ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for Deep Tech) in every year, under DPIIT's notification of 4 February 2026. Attach the certificate of incorporation and a write-up on how the business innovates or can create jobs or wealth. DPIIT charges no fee and has appointed no agents, and its FAQ says the certificate is typically issued within 2 working days of a complete application; download or verify it on startupindia.gov.in. Recognition only makes you eligible: the tax holiday and other benefits are separate applications.
The single window where DPIIT startup recognition and many central and state business approvals are applied for. PAN verification is mandatory before you can apply for any approval.
DPIIT's own screen-by-screen guide to applying for startup recognition on the National Single Window System: sign up, set up the entity profile with its PAN, add the 'Registration as a Startup' approval and submit.
The official FAQ on recognition, including that the certificate of recognition is typically issued within 2 working days of a successful application and can be downloaded once issued.
The notification that now defines a startup in India: up to 10 years from incorporation with turnover within ₹200 crore, a Deep Tech category, the documents a recognition application needs, and Form-1 for the 80-IAC tax certificate.
The official source for DPIIT recognition, the free registration that unlocks tax benefits, self-certification, and scheme eligibility for Indian startups. Straight from the government, not a middleman.
DPIIT's current list of what recognition opens, updated for the Income-tax Act 2025: a three-year 100% tax exemption on profits (Section 140), self-certification under labour and environment laws, tender relaxations, IP fast-tracking and exit in 90 days instead of 180.
A law firm's summary of the DPIIT notification of 4 February 2026 that replaced the 2019 startup definition, setting out the new turnover limits, the Deep Tech Startup category and the other changes.
A startup is recognised for up to 10 years with turnover up to ₹200 crore in any year (was ₹100 crore).
A Deep Tech Startup gets 20 years and a ₹300 crore ceiling, and must show new scientific or engineering knowledge, high R&D spend and significant novel IP, with extra documents.
Multi-State and State cooperative societies can now be recognised alongside companies, partnerships and LLPs.
